SURAL FLAP EFFECTIVENESS IN EXPOSED FRACTURES IN LOWER EXTREMITIES

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of the sural flaps when utilizing this technique as a treatment for exposed fractures in the lower limb in adult patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational descriptive study, the evaluated patients and patient files as primary and secondary sources, respectively, and a control with observational variables. The sample consisted of 24 patients who got 4 follow-up appointments at 5 days, 2 weeks 1 month and a year. Results: The results manifested an effectiveness of 95.8%. The area most affected was the lateral malleolus. Additionally, comorbidities, schooling and gender showed no influence on the effectiveness of the flap. Conclusion: The effectiveness of the sural flap technique in exposed fractures was 95.8%. Recommendations: Physicians ought to consider using the sural flap as the treatment of choice for skin coverage defects localized in the distal and middle third regardless of the leg and cause of the defect.